Are you wondering if you should consult a speech-language pathologist about your toddler’s speech & language development? Maybe you’ve caught yourself comparing and notice some children use more words than your little one? Or maybe someone has made a comment about what they believe your toddler should be doing? Either way, you want to know the signs and how to tell if your child needs speech therapy, right? If so, you’re in the right place.

I know the thought of speech therapy can be overwhelming. Many parents may feel guilty and blame themselves for their child’s language delay. If this is you, please know this:

In this post I will help you understand what milestones to look out for and when to reach out to a speech-language pathologist.

What is Speech & Language Anyways?

These two words get thrown around interchangeably but have two different meanings, so before we jump ahead let’s make sure we’re all on the same page!

Speech refers to the individual sounds in the words we say. It’s a complex skill as we use our lips, tongue, mouth, teeth & vocal folds simultaneously to produce certain sounds!

Language refers to the words we use and how we use them to share ideas and express our wants and needs. Language includes both speaking and understanding.

In the early years our focus should be on what our child is trying to say not how they say it! You toddlers speech is expected to develop with time.

Here are the Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy:

According the the American Speech & Hearing Association (ASHA), a child with a language disorder may have difficulty in one or more of these areas:

• Not smiling or playing with others (Birth – 3 months)
• Not babbling (4-7 months)
• Making only a few sounds. Not using gestures, like waving or pointing. (7-12 months)
• Not understanding what others say (7 months – 2 years)
• Saying only a few words (12 – 18 months)
• Not putting two words together (1.5 – 2 years)
• Saying fewer than 50 words (2 years)
• Having trouble playing and talking with other children (2 – 3 years)
• Having problems with early reading and writing. For example, your child may not like to draw or look at books. (2.5 – 3 years)

My child understands everything but says a few to no words. Should I still be worried?

A late talker is considered a toddler between 18-30 months with a very limited vocabulary for their age but is developing typically otherwise.

Several factors do place a toddler at a greater risk for ongoing language delay, including:

• Quiet as an infant (little babbling)
• History of ear infections
• Do not imitate words
• Limited number of consonant sounds (e.g., p, b, m, t, d, k, n, y, g, etc.)
• Use mostly nouns (names of people, places things) and a few verbs (action words)
• Use few gestures to communicate
• Difficulty playing with peers
• Difficulty sequencing ideas in play (pretend play)
• Mild comprehension (understanding) delay for their age
• A family history of speech and language delay or learning difficulty

If your child has a limited vocabulary and any of the risk factors listed above, a consultation with a speech-language pathologist is recommended.

What We Know to be True Late Talkers:

Research indicates that ~70-80% of late talkers will catch up to their peers while the remaining ~20-30% will not. And for those toddlers who do “catch up” on their own, research shows they continue to experience ongoing difficulties with language and literacy later on. No one can predict which category your toddler will fall into but we do know early intervention can make a difference!

Consult with a Speech-Language Pathologist

If you believe your toddler isn’t meeting their communication milestones and they have one or more of the risk factors above then I would encourage you to schedule a speech & language evaluation.

There are so many ways you can help your child’s skills develop. A speech-language pathologist will help you understand how your child is communicating, create individualized goals, and work with you to support their development!

You may be able to get free or low-cost services for your child. Look for your state and contact them today! You can also choose to find a private speech therapist. I’m currently accepting new clients here in NYC! Contact me today to schedule your free 20 minute consultation!

Want to learn more?

One of the reasons I started Toucan Grow was to help educate and empower you to support your baby or toddler from the very beginning. If you want to learn more about communication milestones from birth – 3 years download my free guide here.